The business of the meeting was largely conducted by our new Chair, Debbie McConnell, who was voted in by members at the AGM. Debbie gave an overview of the Annual Report and accounts (full copies of which were available to members) and then our Planning Officer Jackie Copley gave a presentation on campaigning activities since the last meeting.
Outgoing Chairman Nick Thompson, who stepped into the breach for the third time three years ago when he again took on the chairmanship of the Branch, was thanked for his huge contribution to CPRE Lancashire. Members voted for Nick to take on the new role of Branch President, and we are very pleased that he will still be an integral part of CPRE Lancashire's activities.
We were also delighted to welcome our new Patron, Stephen Lowe (pictured above with Vice-Chair Lindsay Beaton and Nick Thompson), to the meeting. Stephen's regular show on BBC Radio Lancashire focuses on rural issues in the county.
Many thanks to Mere Sands Wood for hosting us and for the interesting activities offered to members.